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Cambridge Real Estate News from Clare DeJong |
September 2012 |
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Real Estate News |
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Clare DeJong
Sales Representative
Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage766 Old Hespeler Rd.
Cambridge, Ontario
519-623-6200 or 1-866-623-6205
www.SellingCambridge.ca |
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Hi Clare, Having your home broken into is a traumatic experience you want to avoid so this month's article shares some tips on how to increase your home's security.
There's also some great advice on how to keep your plants lean and green as well as a couple of great apps to help you with those do-it-yourself projects.
Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter. Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments regarding the articles, or real estate in general -- it'd be great to hear from you!
Life is good,
Clare |
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| Cambridge Home Sales Moderate in August |
 Residential sales activity recorded through the MLS® System of the Cambridge Association of REALTORS® Inc. was down from year-ago levels in August 2012.
According to the Association’s statistics, home sales numbered 198 units in August, down 16 per cent from levels reported in the same month last year.
“Demand has quieted down in recent months, although activity for the year-to-date is still running at the third highest level on record,” said Karen Monteiro, President of the Cambridge Association of REALTORS® Inc. “A total of 2,057 homes have traded hands so far this year. That’s up two per cent from the same period last year, and marks the best first eight months of any year since 2007.”
The average price for homes sold in August 2012 was $282,527. This was an increase of half of one per cent compared to August 2011. The dollar value of all home sales in August 2012 was $55.9 million, down 15 per cent from August 2011.
New residential listings were down from levels in August 2011, falling 16 per cent to 375 units in August 2012. There were 941 active residential listings on the Association’s MLS® System at the end of August, down three per cent from levels reported at the same time in 2011.
There were 4.8 months of inventory at the end of August, up from 4.1 months at the end of August 2011. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.
Sales of all types of properties numbered 208 units in August, a decline of 18 per cent from a year earlier. The dollar value of all sales in August 2012 totaled $59.9 million, 17 per cent below levels reported in August 2011. |
| Transform Your Home Into Fort Knocks |
 Knowing your home's fully secure gives you peace of mind whether you're at home sleeping or away on vacation. A secure home is also much more attractive to potential buyers when it comes time to sell.
Most thieves are opportunists who see an open door or window and decide to take a chance and see what they can make off with. There are many ways to successfully secure a property but homeowners should start with the basics.
Install strike plates on your doors to help protect the deadbolt from crowbars or kick attacks. Thieves want to get into your home as quickly as possible so if one forceful kick doesn't work, they’ll likely turn and run.
Windows are popular break in points so install heavy sash or keyed locks. Installing an eyebolt in window corners also prevents the window from being opened from the outside. Glass block windows are an excellent choice as they look attractive, can't be opened and are extremely difficult to break.
Your home is less likely to be broken into if you have a security system but just as you'd wear a seatbelt for a short car ride, make sure you arm your security system even if you're only popping out for a quick errand. Don't forget to display alarm stickers on your windows and doors as they'll act as a deterrent.
Give the impression your home's lived in while you're away on vacation by installing a dusk-to-dawn porch light and ask a friend to pick up your mail. Although innovative technology allows you to control blinds and lights right from your smartphone, you'll still need to find someone to cut your lawn as no one's developed an app for that yet :)
When it comes to home security, paying attention to the simple things can often make a huge difference. Take time to "case the joint" and list all the security failures that burglars would appreciate. Potential buyers will prefer to purchase a fully secure home as it's one less thing they'll need to take care of. Prevention is key, so stay safe by making your home’s security a priority this month. |
| How to Make Your Houseplants Lean & Green |
 Houseplants are not only visually appealing but they improve our home's air quality by adding oxygen and removing toxins. Here are some plant care tips for those of us who can barely keep an artificial plant alive.
Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death. Water your plants thoroughly but make sure there are drainage holes so excess water can escape as you don’t want your plants to be sitting in water.
Improper lighting is another reason why promising young plants become statistics. It's important to match the lighting needs of plants with the amount of light you have to offer. Here are a few hardy plants that can survive nearly any situation:
- The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is excellent for beginners as it’s almost impossible to kill. They're one of the easiest plants to grow and look great in hanging baskets.
- The Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderana) just stands in water and has been used by the Chinese for centuries in the art of feng shui to create harmony in the home.
- The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is another foolproof plant that only requires dim light and doesn’t need much water. What could be easier?
Houseplants are a simple and cost effective way to infuse natural, serene style into your home. Better yet, research suggests they reduce stress and cold related illnesses and even increase our energy levels. Go out today and outfit your home with some of nature's lean mean green machines! |
| Do-It-Yourself Apps |
 If you're constantly procrastinating over household projects, you should check out some of the available home improvement apps for some inspiration! Here are a couple of our faves:
- iHandy Level - If you have to hang a picture or measure an angle, this handy app will help keep you on the level. (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad & Android. Free)
- HandyMan DIY - We can all be home improvement experts with this app! It gives you all the info you need to get your renovation project off the ground. (iPhone, iPod touch. $1.99)
Smartphones and tablets are perfect for the "do-it-yourselfer" as they're always there for you no matter where you go. They'll definitely become the lightest, most versatile tools you've ever owned! |
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| Not meant to solicit clients already under contract. |
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